Confessions of a Christian Magician

Whatever you are good at, don't let critics and dream-stealers stop you from doing it! Jim has done magic since he was 10. For half a century he has entertained adults and children, and has performed at fetes, children's parties, Sunday Schools; churches; jails; and on the street. He has met joy-filled encourages, and joy-less critics. This book will inspire and liberate you to pursue your dream. More

Magic! Some people love magicians. They don't want to know the secrets; they revel in the mystery! Other people only just tolerate illusionists because they get frustrated if they cant work out the secrets! In some circles, however, "magic" is a dirty word. It is associated with evil, and the occult. Even stage magicians.

Jim Reiher began his hobby of doing magic when he was a boy. After a decade or so, when he was about 20, he met some 'extreme fundamentalist Christians' who were sure that his hobby of "slight of hand" was really a sinful past-time, done in league with the Devil.

This lighthearted book tells us the story of Jim's journey with his hobby of magic. It also reflects on his encounters with folk who thought he was sinning against God and mankind, and his survival through those encounters. He gives the reader practical tips for how to avoid (or at least not be pulled down by) such encounters and traumas. He also shares different skills and tips for how to be a successful performer.

For the Christian reader, the most important thing this book communicates, is to find your special gifting, your talent, your unique ability - and to pursue it with all your might! Jim encourages the reader not to be "put off" by anyone who tries to smoother their dreams or their gifts. He calls for graciousness and co-existence.

In the midst of it all, Jim shares some of his favorite card tricks (with the secrets); he shares the way to combine magic with clowning (for those so inclined); and he demonstrates ways to turn a magic trick, into a vehicle for sharing a meaningful message. Jim also tackles head-on, criticisms leveled against the popular "Harry Potter" stories, and he calls on fundamentalists to put the fun back into their fundamentalism.

An easy and enjoyable read that will inspire you to do what you love, despite the critics!

Jim Reiher lives in Melbourne Australia. He has four adult children and lots of grandchildren. Jim writes both fiction and non-fiction.

Regarding his fiction and the themes he loves to write about: Over his lifetime, (besides holding down various serious jobs), Jim has been a clown and a magician. His clown character was the hobo "Splinter" - a bungling clown who tried to do magic and usually either failed or surprised himself. And his straight magic routine was, and still is, performed for both adults or children. Whether an all adult function, or a children's party, his comical magic causes everyone to laugh and wonder. His clown/magician side comes out in the novels: "The Sunburnt Circus"; and "Broken Hill Broken Lives"; as well as "The Gospel According to Splinter"; and "The Acts of the Apostles and Splinter". His non-fiction "Confessions of a Christian Magician" is light hearted and inspires you to pursue your gifts and passions.

Regarding most of his non-fiction, Jim's serious side comes out, although sometimes he writes his non-fiction with humor, too. Jim is a respected Australian Biblical scholar, with a MA in Theology with Honors, and 13 years of full time lecturing in Bible Colleges. Jim has published a number of books on topics ranging from Tarot Cards, to the Equality of Women in the Church, to how politics works in Australia. He has also written a number of commentaries on different New Testament books and letters: the Epistle of James, the Book of Acts, and most recently the Gospel of Mark.

Jim enjoys a nice quiet walk in 'the middle of no where'; a good movie; a good book; playing ten-pin bowling; and spending time with his children and grandchildren.